Windows 10

According to Microsoft, while everyone currently running Windows 7 and Windows 8 will get free upgrades to Windows 10 when it becomes available to the public, those currently testing the beta releases of Microsoft’s next big software via Insider Preview Program will not necessarily get a fresh copy of Windows 10 for themselves unless they are eligible via the existing upgrade offer. Microsoft says that in order for those testing Windows 10 to continue to use it as a fully licensed, 100% legitimate install, they’ll need to agree to continue being the software company’s guinea pig. That is, they’ll need to continue testing Microsoft’s Windows 10 updates as part of its Insider Preview Program. As a result, anyone who is not part of that program will likely see their version of Windows 10 fall behind, becoming unlicensed in the process. Ouch.

Of course, most people will be eligible for a free copy of Windows 10 as part of the Windows 7 and Windows 8 upgrade program, that means anyone running genuine versions of those two are able to get a free upgrade so long as they do it within 12 months of Windows 10’s release. Some people were hoping to use the Insider Preview Program as a way of getting another copy however, perhaps for use on a completely new build or an old machine still chugging along with Windows Vista.

Unfortunately for them though, they’re out of luck unless they agree to continue testing Microsoft’s software.

strollin wrote:

DD716TED wrote:
I originally said YES to the free Win 10 download when available but have now changed my mind... Is there a way to retract my YES to downloading Win 10 when available?

From MS:

If I change my mind, can I cancel my reservation?

Yes, you can cancel your reservation at any time prior to installing Windows 10. Here’s how:

Right click on the Get Windows 10 app or Windows icon located in right end of the taskbar.
Select “Check your upgrade status”
Select “Cancel reservation”

Those of you who expect to get Windows 10 at the end of this month may be disappointed.

At the start of June, Microsoft said Windows 10 would officially launch on July 29. But as it turns out, that doesn't mean everyone will get the new operating system on that date.

The first to get the high-stakes update to the company's marquee software will be those who have been helping Microsoft get the kinks out of Windows 10, working through the Windows Insider program that went into effect last October.

"Starting on July 29, we will start rolling out Windows 10 to our Windows Insiders," Terry Myerson, Microsoft's executive vice president of operating systems, said in a blog post published Thursday. "From there, we will start notifying reserved systems in waves, slowly scaling up after July 29th."